In this E-Newsletter:
Fighting Against Bill 60's Attacks on Tenants' Rights and Affordability
The Ford government recently took steps to try to eliminate rent control in Ontario by getting rid of security of tenure, undermining the basic fabric of tenant protections in our province. This is shameful and disgusting given the affordability crisis that so many people are facing.
Together, we fought back hard against a monstrous proposal that would’ve made life much less affordable and secure for so many Ontarians- and the Ford government capitulated. This is good news for renters across our province. Thank you to everyone who singed our petition demanding the Ford government protects tenants' affordability and security.
Please read my recent column in the Toronto Star: "Doug Ford’s retreat on this controversial idea shows why we must keep fighting him on housing"
Demanding Better Transit During Big Events
Supporting Small and Local Neighbourhood Shops
Council approved a proposal that would permit more retail options in neighbourhoods, legalizing the type of local retail that was once far more prevalent in our city.
Many in our community are eager to bring back small businesses such as coffee shops, grocers and convenience stores in walking proximity to their homes. This initiative also supports creating an age friendly city where more people can age in place.
These locations will be restricted to ‘corner lots’ only on busier streets where the city has deemed it appropriate, and with steps taken to support businesses that reflect and benefit the community and restrict uses like pot shops.
I am glad that Council supported this proposal. Neighbourhood retail can work, like it already does in cities around the world and we want to move it forward in a way that respects every community’s priorities.
Some communities shared reasonable concerns regarding the types of retail that might come into their neighbourhoods, while
Fighting for Better Snow Clearing - and Removal!
Sign our Petition: Open Old City Hall to the Public and Create a Museum of Toronto
Toronto is one of the only major cities in North America without a city museum. New York, Chicago, and Montreal - along with cities around the world - all have incredible spaces to share and celebrate their stories with residents and visitors alike. Toronto, sadly, has thousands of remarkable artifacts hidden away in storage, collecting dust.
Over 50 years ago, beloved Mayor David Crombie identified Old City Hall as an ideal location for such a museum. The final remnants of the provincial court services that occupied the building for decades have now departed, leaving no succession plan in place. This is an unacceptable missed opportunity.
This is why I am calling on our municipal government to preserve Old City Hall, re-open it's doors to the public and transform this historic landmark into a Museum of Toronto, celebrating the diverse history and people of our city.
I have been advocating for a Museum of Toronto at Old City Hall for a decade, and we’re closer than ever to realising it, but we need strong support from the community to get it across the finish line!
Sign this petition to let the City know that you want to save Old City Hall and create a space that celebrates the history of our great city.
Advancing Affordable & Supportive Housing for Veterans
Demand for shelter space in our city continues to increase year after year. We know this is only a band aid approach, and the real solution is to create permanent supportive affordable housing for our city’s most vulnerable.
On average, 4.4 percent of people experiencing homelessness in Canadian cities are veterans. Veterans (both Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as defined by Veterans Affairs Canada) are more than twice as likely to experience homelessness compared to the general population.
I was pleased to move a motion at last week’s City Council meeting, with my colleague Councillor Jamaal Myers, on advancing permanent, affordable, and supportive housing for veterans. To review the motion, please click here.
Veterans who courageously served our nation and made great sacrifices should not be living on our city’s streets. As we commemorate their service, we must also remember the actions that all three levels of government should be taking to support them. Our Veterans fulfilled their duty to us, and it is our responsibility to fulfill ours to them. And when they come home, we need to ensure that they have a home to come to.
Celebrating Simchat Torah with our Jewish Community
My family and I celebrated Simchat Torah with our Jewish community during the month of October. This should be a time for singing and celebration. However, I hear from many members of the community that they are deeply impacted by the alarming and rising number of antisemitic incidents, including acts of intimidation, harassment, vandalism, and violence. This cannot be allowed to stand.
Toronto’s Jewish community can never be left to feel scared, alone or abandoned. I will continue to advocate for a city that is safe and just, and where our Jewish community - like every community - knows City Hall has their back. I will continue to work with like-minded Torontonians of every background and faith, who believe that this is a time for bridge-building, rather than division, and to create a safe and supportive city for all of us.
Demanding Action to Fix the Eglinton and Allen Intersection
On Oct 29th City staff provided an update to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in response to motions moved myself and Councillor Colle to redesign the Eglinton Ave and Allen Road intersection. See my full comments to the committee here.
At the Committee meeting, I was able to confirm two important updates:
The two-lane on ramp Metrolinx constructed is insufficient and I believe that the current traffic signal configuration contributes to the long queue of cars along Eglinton West. While the reality of a major expressway meeting a major street means that this intersection faces unique challenges, I am asking for the City to do whatever it takes to make this situation better for the businesses that are impacted and the many community members who can't even leave their driveways in the morning, and who want a safe and functional neighbourhood.
Demanding Accountability on the Eglinton LRT
I don’t believe the Eglinton LRT will open this year. And if it does, there will be reasonable concerns about how safe and operatable it’ll be. I expect Finch will open soon. But Metrolinx and the provincial government could not have handled Eglinton more incompetently and without any real transparency or accountability. The delays have resulted in cost overruns, unmanageable traffic in local neighborhoods, several businesses closing, and all of us have been left without the transit that was promised years ago. If the province doesn’t agree to hold a public inquiry, there’s no way they can rebuild public trust or demonstrate that lessons have been learned. The way that they’ve let this project go off the rails can never be allowed to happen again. Sign our petition demanding a public inquiry into the Eglinton LRT fiasco.
Advocating for Solutions to Traffic Congestion
Focusing on solutions to traffic congestion is a better use of time and tax dollars than allowing transportation to be caught in a gridlock of divisive politics. Thanks to MPP Andrea Hazell for inviting me to speak at her Transportation Mobility Conference in Scarborough.
Join Us to Provide Critical Support for Jamaicans
Devastated by Hurricane Melissa
I enjoyed spending time at the Little Jamaica Night Market and was happy to support a wonderful event that transformed a parking lot into a place for vendors, creativity and community. There were a lot of heavy hearts there thinking of loved ones in the Caribbean. If you’re able to, please consider donating to hurricane relief efforts to help people in Jamaica who were devastated by the storm.
Members of the community can bring donations to the fire station at 555 Oakwood Avenue.
Thanking Our First Responders
Our city’s first responders were working to keep our kids safe on Halloween. I called in about massive branches that could fall imminently at Wilfrid & Oswald. Police & Fire were here. These guys were so great, local kids were coming out to give them candy! I’m really grateful.
Islamic History Month
I enjoyed attending the Islamic History Month event at the Ismaili Centre. There were thoughtful discussions about the many contributions of Islamic societies that we can learn from in our contemporary lives. It was also a celebration of community, pluralism … and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Join our Team and Be Part of a More Connected Community
We are recruiting volunteers interested in supporting a more connected, caring, and engaged community. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, connect with neighbors, and help shape the future of our community, we’d love to have you on our volunteer team.
Our volunteers play an important role in local outreach and event support, and we welcome people with all levels of availability - from weekly contributors to those who prefer occasional engagement opportunities.
These opportunities include event boothing, canvassing, flyering, office support, and other initiatives as needed.
You can sign up here. For questions, please contact [email protected].
Save the Science Centre
It snowed this month. And not only is the Ontario Science Centre’s roof still standing, it still has more integrity than the Ford government.
Tell Doug Ford to Keep our Elections Free and Fair
While Doug Ford attempts to distract us with gimmicks, he’s quietly dismantling rules meant to keep our elections free, fair and with limits on influence peddling. He’s putting his own interests before our democracy.
Primary Care Access Support with Sunnybrook
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, in partnership with Vibrant Community Health and the North Toronto Ontario Health Team, is helping residents in North Toronto who do not currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner to get matched with one.
Why find a family doctor or nurse practitioner?
Interested North Toronto residents can get more information and sign up at www.northtorontooht.ca/primarycare.
Message from the Humewood Community Scholarship Team:
Fundraising Drive is Underway Until December 31, 2025
The Humewood Community Scholarship is for qualifying young mothers who have participated in parenting support and educational services at the Abiona Centre For Infant & Early Mental Health. These services are provided at the Humewood and Broadview Campuses. Our fundraising goal again this year is $5,000.
The Humewood Community Scholarship provides direct assistance as young mothers prepare a better future for themselves and their children. Over the last 7 years, a total of 33 young mothers have received scholarships to pursue post-secondary education at accredited colleges and universities.
HOW TO DONATE:
A donation of any amount is very much appreciated. Donations of $20 and over, receive an automatic tax receipt.
100% of the funds that we receive through the link below or the above QR code, go directly to the scholarship recipients:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/abionacentre/p2p/HCS2025
The fundraising site is active now until December 31, 2025.
Special thanks to MPP Stephanie Smyth, City Councillor Josh Matlow, and St. Matthew’s United for sharing information about the Humewood Community Scholarship Fundraiser.
A very heartfelt thank you for considering this fundraising request.
The Humewood Community Scholarship Team:
Cathy, Caroline and Shelagh
Message from the First Unitarian Congregation
Come see what's happened at 473 Oakwood! Check out the newly renovated space and celebrate the holiday season with First Unitarian Congregation
Unitarians seek wisdom from many religious and ethical sources. We focus on how we can co-exist with each other and the earth, and we gather to nurture connection, share life’s joys and sorrows, and act for love and justice.
Our renovated building at 473 Oakwood is now fully accessible with an elevator, hearing loop, braille signage, and a variety of room sizes to suit multiple uses. The holiday season is a great time to visit and find out more:
Every Sunday morning - We offer a program for children and youth plus inspiring words and music for all from 10:30 to 11:30 am.
Dec 20 Winter Solstice Service - We will honour our connection with the Earth in a candlelit circle at 7pm. Suitable for children.
Dec 24 Christmas Eve - We’ll sing together, explore the many meanings of the Christmas story, and share some treats at 7pm. Suitable for children.
November 2025
First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto
Glebe Road United Church Anniversary
The Glebe Road United Church has been at the heart of our Davisville community for 175 years. I enjoyed a visit to celebrate this special anniversary.
Brentwood Tower's Tenants Association's
Winter Artisan Bazaar
The Clay and Paper Theatre’s Night of Dread!
Message from ClimateFast: Lower Emissions Equals Lower Costs - How Climate Action Can Make Toronto More Affordable
What You Need to Know: In 2017, Toronto City Council unanimously passed the TransformTO Net Zero Climate Action Plan. Some of the achievements to date include: 60% reduction in greenhouse gases from city-owned buildings, hybrid and battery electrification of TTC buses and increasing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The next goal is to create a climate-friendly bylaw for large existing buildings – as a surprising 56% of Toronto’s climate-warming pollution comes from burning gas to heat buildings. These bylaws would make large buildings safer, healthier, and more efficient (i.e., more affordable over time to heat & cool!). Additionally, the standards would bring us in sync with existing policies in other major cities around the world.
What’s the specific issue: The next 5-year plan for TransformTO is going to Council for voting in mid-December. Building emissions contribute to the majority of emissions in the city and without this bylaw, TransformTO will lose much of its potential for positive climate impact.
What would the bylaw include: Retrofitting existing large buildings to use clean heating systems like electric heat pumps help to protect us from extreme heat, extreme cold, and wildfire smoke - all climate issues that are happening with increasing frequency. Mass retrofits could also stimulate our local economy creating many good, green jobs, in construction, design and innovation.
Taking Action: Interested in learning more about how climate action can benefit you and your community? Stay tuned for upcoming Climate Cafes in St. Paul’s in 2026!
Sign up for ClimateFast newsletter: www.climatefast.ca
Questions? email: [email protected]
Shelagh Adamson and Susan Bakshi on behalf of the Wards Project Team for Ward 12, St.Paul’s
Pumpkin Parades!
In so many of our city’s neighborhoods, there’s a group of amazing residents who come together and put on pumpkin parades. I’ve had a fun evening visiting several of them. Thank you to the organizers- you help create community, and make life a little more magical for all of us.
Visiting the North York Harvest Food Bank
The North York Harvest Food Bank doesn’t only help residents struggling with food insecurity. They empower people to get involved and change lives. I was delighted to visit their remarkable new facility and learn more about the critical work they do. I’m proud to support them.
Songs of Hope Fundraiser
Songs For Hope 2025 - An Evening of Music and Giving, in support of Seeds of Hope Foundation is this week, and we don't want you to miss out.
Featuring Side 3 Music, Toronto's most versatile event band, and with Special Guests Sisters & Brothers, coming off their magnificent performance at Vancestock IV, the Drake Underground is going to be ROCKING!
There's a HUGE Silent Auction, a 50/50 Draw, and one SPECIAL Live Auction... food and drinks... all to help fund the crucial work we do every day, easing the plight of those living in poverty, suffering food insecurity, and experiencing homelessness. Please help us achieve our goal of raising $50,000.
ROOM IS LIMITED... tickets are going fast, and YOU DON'T WANT TO BE LEFT OUT! For more information and to buy tickets (or if you can't come, you can still make a donation!), scan the QR Code, or visit our event page at https://www.canadahelps.org/.../songs-for-hope-2025-an.../
Vaughan Road and Wychwood Avenue
Safety Improvements Survey
The Vaughan Road and Wychwood Avenue Safety Improvements project is a comprehensive City initiative to bring road safety upgrades to Vaughan Road and Wychwood Avenue. The project’s goal is to eliminate traffic-related accidents by making Vaughan Road safer for everyone, including seniors, school children, and people walking and cycling. Thank you to all the community members who participated in the in-person consultation event on November 13th. The City continues to seek feedback from neighbours on proposed changes through an online survey open until November 27th.
Visiting the Crestwood Grade 5 Class
Thank you to the amazing 5th graders at Crestwood in North York for such a fun and thoughtful conversation about our city! I was so impressed with all of you.
Uptown Yonge Halloween Haunt
The 4th annual Halloween Haunt, hosted by the Uptown Yonge BIA, was such great success! It was pleasure to spend time with so many residents I know and love.
Supporting the Homework Club at St. Michael and All Angels Church
I absolutely love and appreciate the community-focused work led by Jenni King Feheley and her team at St. Michael and All Angels Church. I was delighted to help with funding for a Homework Club to support kids with their studies, and give them a place where they belong.
Armenian Vigil Remembering the 44 Day War
I joined our city’s Armenian community for a solemn vigil to remember the lives displaced, and the lives lost, during the horrific 44 Day Artsakh War.
Celebrating the Day of the Dead at Wychwood Barns
Aztec dance, Gig Drum Circle, ofrendas, arts and craft market, traditional food vendors, music, dance and more! It’s wonderful to join our city’s Mexican community at the Wychwood Barns for the Day of the Dead celebration.
In This E-Newsletter:
